It was announced that the South Korean boy group BTS has won an award during this year's Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards. Other winners include SHINee and BIGBANG's G-Dragon.
This year's Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards marks their seventh annual ceremony which recognizes achievements of approximately thirty Korean artists across all pop culture areas. The ceremony will be hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism along with the Korea Creative Content Agency.
The ceremony will give four types of awards namely the Cultural Merit Award, the Presidential Award, the Prime Minister's Award, and the Minister of Culture Award. SBS PopAsia has learned that SHINee and G-Dragon have won the Prime Minister's Awards, along with other actors such as Jo Jin-woong, Hwang Jung-eum, and Hoo Ah-in.
Eight people are expected to receive the Prime Minister's Commendation Award while six people for the Cultural Merit Award. Seven people are expected to receive the President's Commendation Award and nine for the Minister's Commendation Award.
In 2012, the South Korean boy group SHINee previously won the Minister of Culture Award, marking its second time to be awarded in the ceremony. Meanwhile, it will be BIGBANG's G-Dragon first Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards.
Also, Bantan Boys or simply BTS will be receiving the 2016 Pop Culture Award during the ceremony, as reported by Soompi. The award is given to those who promote societal status of pop culture and inspire people.
Rubrics for the award includes the period of one's domestic and overseas activities, amount of industry contribution, and public awareness. The award also considers one's social contribution and reputation.
It is worth noting that the group talked about school bullying, pursuit of happiness and rejecting society's ideals through their lyrics. BTS even got commended in a Billboard article for their "Wings" album which tackles mental health and delivers a women empowerment anthem which is considered unusual because South Korea is culturally conservative and most singers stick to safe topics like partying and breakups.
Catch BTS in "Blood Sweat & Tears" below: